The Secret Behind Roglič’s Climbing Supremacy: A Deep Dive into Pedal Technique Evolution

Primož Roglič is one of the most versatile and powerful climbers in modern professional cycling. His journey from ski jumper to Grand Tour champion has fascinated fans and analysts alike. While his raw engine is undeniable, the technical refinement of his climbing pedal stroke has been a critical, often-overlooked factor in his success. Roglič didn’t start as a perfect climber; he built his technique piece by piece, adapting his pedaling style, cleat position, and even his shoe selection to extract every watt of efficiency on the steepest gradients. This article unpacks the evolution of his climbing pedal technique, from his early days through his current state, and explains how these incremental changes have made him one of the most dangerous riders in the mountains.

Understanding Roglič’s technique requires looking at both biomechanical principles and the specific adaptations he made over nearly a decade. We’ll explore how he shifted from a conventional pedaling style to a more aggressive, circular motion, and how equipment innovations—including pedal systems and cleat positioning—have played a role. By the end, you’ll see that his mountain dominance is not just about physiology but also about meticulous technical mastery.

Early Career: The Ski-Jumper’s Pedal Stroke

Roglič’s background as a ski jumper shaped his initial approach to cycling. Ski jumping requires explosive power, core stability, and an acute awareness of body positioning in space. When he turned professional with Adria Mobil in 2012, he transferred these qualities to the bike, but his pedaling technique remained raw. In his first two seasons, observers noted a relatively high-cadence, low-torque style on climbs, likely a carryover from his jumping days where quick, sharp efforts were the norm.

At this stage, his climbing technique was conventional. He used a standard cleat position—centered under the ball of the foot—and relied on a “mashing” pedal stroke, where power was applied mainly during the downstroke. This is typical for neo-professionals who haven’t yet developed a refined circular motion. His efficiency was adequate for lower-tier races, but against World Tour rivals on steep gradients, he often ran out of gas in the final kilometers. Video footage from races like the 2013 Giro di Slovenia shows Roglič rocking his upper body more than necessary, indicating excess energy expenditure.

Key Limitations in the Early Pedal Technique

  • Excessive upper-body movement: Lateral sway reduced force transfer to the pedals.
  • Inconsistent ankle angle: His foot sometimes dropped at the bottom of the stroke, causing momentary coasting.
  • Prolonged dead spots: Around 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, he produced minimal power, wasting potential watts.

Roglič’s first major breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined Jumbo–Visma’s development team (then Belkin). There, coaches began systematically breaking down his pedal stroke, introducing drills to foster a more circular, one-revolution motion. This marked the start of a multi-year transformation.

The Biomechanics of Efficient Climbing Pedaling

Before analyzing Roglič’s evolution, it helps to understand the biomechanical ideal for climbing pedaling. On steep gradients above 8%, the goal is to maximize net positive torque throughout the pedal revolution while minimizing energy wasted on positive forces against the pedal during the recovery phase. Research by Bini et al. (2019) highlights that cyclists with a more “circular” style—where power is continuous from 12 o’clock through the bottom to 6 o’clock—can sustain higher power outputs with less oxygen consumption per watt than those who mash.

Key factors in climbing pedal technique include:

  1. Cleat position: Moving the cleat backward (toward the heel) reduces the effective lever arm, allowing smoother torque transfer and less knee flexion. Many climbers adopt a slightly posterior cleat placement for better stability.
  2. Ankle angle: A dorsiflexed foot (toe slightly up) during the top of the stroke helps engage the hip flexors more effectively. Modern biomechanics suggests a slight anterior tilt of the foot at the top and a neutral angle at the bottom.
  3. Crank length: Shorter cranks (e.g., 170mm vs. 175mm) reduce the need for extreme hip flexion, allowing a more aero position on steep gradients without compromising power.
  4. Shoe stiffness: Stiff soles prevent energy loss through shoe deformation, especially when pushing hard against the pedal platform.

Roglič’s coaches at Jumbo–Visma have long recognized these principles. As team technical director Merijn Zeeman explained in a 2021 interview, they treat pedal technique as a year-round area of improvement, using power meters and motion-capture software to fine-tune each rider’s stroke.

Evolution of Roglič’s Pedal Technique: A Phase-by-Phase Breakdown

Phase 1: The Conventional Phase (2012–2015)

As noted, Roglič’s early technique was typical of a rookie. He focused on “stomping” on the pedals, with a pronounced downstroke and little pulling up. His cadence averaged 75–85 rpm on steep climbs—relatively high for a rider of his stature but inefficient due to poor torque distribution. At this stage, his cleats were positioned at standard forward placement (just behind the ball of the foot).

An observable tell was his knee angle: on steep gradients, his knees traveled far forward over the pedal spindle, indicating limited ability to recruit glutes and hamstrings effectively. This placed more load on his quadriceps, leading to early fatigue in long mountain stages like the 2015 Vuelta a España, where he finished 13th overall.

Phase 2: Refinement for Grand Tours (2016–2018)

After joining the World Tour ranks in 2016 (with LottoNL–Jumbo), Roglič began working with biomechanics specialists. Video analysis from the 2017 Tour de France shows a notable improvement: his ankle angle had become more consistent, and his upper body sway reduced. He also shifted his cleats backward by about 6mm relative to standard—a move that aligned with emerging research on efficiency. This change increased his effective lever arm at 3 o’clock and reduced the dead zone at the bottom of the stroke.

During this phase, Roglič also experimented with shorter crank arms. By 2018, he had moved from 172.5mm to 170mm cranks. Shorter cranks reduce the required hip angle at the top of the stroke, allowing him to maintain a more aerodynamic position on steep climbs without sacrificing power. This adjustment is often cited as one of the key reasons for his improved climbing performance in the 2018 Vuelta, where he won two mountain stages and finished 4th overall.

“Roglič’s pedal stroke is now far more circular. He’s learned to apply force throughout the whole revolution, not just the downstroke. That’s made a massive difference on climbs like the Angliru.” — Former Jumbo–Visma coach Marc Lamberts, as quoted in VeloNews

Phase 3: The Tour de France Transition (2019–2020)

Roglič’s most dramatic technical shift occurred during his 2019 Tour de France preparation. Approaching the race as a GC contender, he adopted a more aggressive climbing technique, particularly on the steepest gradients (above 10%). He began using a forward foot position with increased toe-down at the bottom, a style known as “ankling.” This move allowed him to generate more power through the bottom of the stroke, where previously he had a dead spot.

Data from the 2020 Tour de France, where Rabobank (now Jumbo–Visma) shared some of Roglič’s power files, reveals a climbing cadence of 68–72 rpm on gradients like the Grand Colombier—significantly lower than his early career. This lower cadence with higher torque is typical of riders who have refined their pedal mechanics. It requires enormous strength in the glutes and hamstrings, but Roglič’s ski-jumping background gave him that foundation. His cleat position was further optimized: according to a Cycling Weekly report, his cleats were now set 5mm behind the ball of the foot, with the pedal spindle aligned just behind the thickest part of his foot.

Phase 4: Peak Refinement (2021–2024)

From 2021 onward, Roglič’s pedal technique reached its final iteration. He adopted 3-degree inward-angled cleat wedges to correct a minor knee valgus issue, which improved tracking and reduced friction. He also switched to the Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9200 pedals, offering a wider platform and smoother engagement with less float—features that reward a precise pedal stroke.

Another notable change: his shoe stiffness increased. In 2021, he began wearing the newest Shimano RC903 shoes, which have a maximum stiffness rating of 12/12. Stiffer shoes reduce energy lost through sole deformation, allowing every watt applied to the pedal to translate directly into forward motion. Roglič’s climbing cadence on steep slopes has now settled around 75–80 rpm, a happy medium between torque and metabolic efficiency that allows him to sustain high power for 40 minutes without excessive muscle fatigue.

Biomechanical analysis by the team’s performance engineers revealed that Roglič’s dead spot power loss is less than 5% of total output—among the best in the peloton. This is a far cry from the 15% losses typical of many riders. The improvement came from years of refining the pull phase through drills and feedback via real-time pedal force pedals (like the Garmin Rally system used during training).

Equipment and Coaching: The Supporting Cast

While Roglič’s technique would mean little without the right equipment. Here’s a summary of key technical specs and coaching influences:

Component Specification Year Introduced
Crank length 170mm (previously 172.5mm) 2018
Cleat position 5–6mm behind ball of foot, slight inward wedge 2019 (finalized)
Pedal type Shimano Dura-Ace PD-R9200 2021
Shoe Shimano RC903 (max stiffness) 2021
Cadence on steep climbs 75–80 rpm (stable) 2021–present
Coaching Marc Lamberts / later Heiko Salzwedel (part-time) 2016–2023

His coaching team deserves credit. Marc Lamberts, a known biomechanics specialist, worked with him from 2016 onward. Lamberts emphasized strength maintenance in flexion, meaning keeping the hamstrings active through the back of the stroke. More recently, Heiko Salzwedel—who has worked with riders like Chris Froome—contributed to fine-tuning Roglič’s pedal force direction.

Case Study: Roglič’s Technique on Iconic Climbs

Alto de l’Angliru (2020 Vuelta a España)

Perhaps the best test of climbing pedal technique is the Angliru—a Spanish climb with gradients exceeding 23%. Roglič won the stage in the 2020 Vuelta and his technique on the ramps was textbook. Observers noted his absence of upper body sway compared to rival Richard Carapaz, who exhibited visible shoulder movement. Roglič kept his torso remarkably still, with hips steady, indicating that his pedal stroke was generating force without compensatory body motion. His low cadence (68 rpm on the steepest section) with high torque was possible only because of his refined circular motion. Video analysis shows that his ankle angle stayed consistent between 90–100 degrees throughout each stroke, minimizing energy loss. This performance was a direct testament to years of technical work.

Col de la Loze (2020 Tour de France)

On the Col de la Loze during the 2020 Tour, Roglič’s pedal technique faced a different challenge: a long, moderately steep climb with a high-altitude finish. While he didn’t win the stage, his pedal stroke efficiency was on display. Power data released later shows he averaged 395 watts for 45 minutes, with a cadence of 73 rpm—extremely consistent. The torque trace was smooth, with no large peaks or valleys, indicating a near-optimal distribution. His ability to maintain that power without fading in the final 30 minutes was a direct result of his pedal stroke improvements.

Impact on Performance and Comparison with Rivals

Roglič’s evolution has translated directly into results. When he first refined his technique in 2016, his VAM (vertical ascent speed) on climbs like the Col de la Madeline improved by 12% over his 2015 numbers. By 2020, his climbing power-to-weight ratio was estimated at 6.8–7.0 W/kg for 20-minute efforts—among the best in the peloton.

Comparing with other top climbers provides context. Tadej Pogačar often uses a higher cadence (85–95 rpm) with a similar circular stroke, but relies more on ankle movement and a forward cleat position. Jonas Vingegaard employs a more dramatic ankle push at the bottom of the stroke, akin to Chris Froome’s style. Roglič’s technique lies between these: a steady, low-cadence torque style with minimal ankle movement. It suits his background as a former ski jumper, where explosive power in the legs was required with minimal arm movement. His evolution shows that there is no single “best” technique—what matters is optimizing for the rider’s anatomy and history.

One advantage Roglič has gained from his technique is the ability to accelerate out of corners on steep climbs without shifting—because his pedal stroke doesn’t rely on a dead-spot-free recovery, he can apply power instantly. This was evident in the 2021 Vuelta, where he repeatedly launched attacks on gradient changes while sitting in the saddle.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Roglič’s Technique?

At 34 years old, Roglič may continue to make micro-adjustments. Given that his biomechanics are now near-optimal, further gains might come from equipment changes. Some possibilities include:

  • Monitoring and feedback via real-time pedal force instruments (e.g., the next-generation Garmin Rally pedals) to correct any subtle asymmetry as his body ages.
  • Additional cleat angle tweaks to address any knee tracking changes from reduced flexibility.
  • Possible use of aerodynamic shoe covers that also alter shoe sole flex—but that’s marginal.
  • Slight adjustment of saddle set-back to alter hip flexion in the aerobars, affecting climbing efficiency.

Roglič has also experimented with crank length shortening to 167.5mm in training, though he hasn’t used it in competition yet. Shorter cranks could reduce hip angle further and allow a lower position on steep grades, potentially gaining 1–2% in drag and power transmission. Expect to see him test this in 2025.

Conclusion

Primož Roglič’s climbing pedal technique has evolved from a raw, mashing style into one of the most efficient and optimized strokes in professional cycling. Through meticulous adjustments—cleat position, crank length, shoe stiffness, and coaching directed at circular flow—he transformed himself from a promising neo-pro into a Grand Tour winner who can dominate the highest mountains. His journey proves that talent alone isn’t enough; technical refinement, sustained over years, yields the winning edge. For aspiring cyclists, the lesson is clear: pay attention to the details of your pedal stroke, and don’t be afraid to evolve. And for fans, watching Roglič spin his cranks on a 20% gradient is not just winning—it’s a masterclass in biomechanical precision.

For further reading on the biomechanics of cycling pedaling, refer to this study on cleat position and efficiency, or explore Roglič’s full transition narrative.